Nursing during pregnancy, reassurance please? (sorry, a little long)

[Midori1999]

I have just found out I am pregnant (only 4+4) and am nursing DD, 19 months.

I am classed as high risk in pregnancy due to a blood clotting disorder and due to that have had two early miscarriages and lost my twins when they were born prematurely after my waters broke at 14+5 (I had them at 24 weeks). No-one can say why my waters broke so early, but one cause is a blood clot in the placenta, so this seems likely. (my placentas were supposed to be kept and examined, but that didn't happen)

I shouldn't be at risk of premature labour purely down to my clotting disorder, although I have had two Lletz procedures since my last pregnancy to remove precancerous cells and there is a very small risk of incompetent cervix after this, so I will ask about cervical length scans at my first appointment at 7-8 weeks.

I know that generally BF is thought to be safe during pregnancy, although not always advised if high risk, but from what I can tell, this seem to be if you are at risk of uterine contractions causing early labour and there's no evidence to suggest this is the case, it's just a theory.

I am having quite a lot of uterine cramping, but I know this is normal, although it seems maybe a bit more than I have had before. Is it normal to get more cramping in early pregnancy if you're breastfeeding?

If anyone can add their own experiences of nursing during pregnancy or has any links to studies on this, I'd appreciate it.

Thankyou!

[BuntyCollocks]

I had cramping throughout both my pregnancies, have 2 healthy children. I wasn't breastfeeding when pregnant with dd as I has to stop to conceive her, but I just wanted to let you know it's normal, breastfeeding or not :)

[DressMe]

I bf ds for 6 months of my second pregnancy and did notice more cramping than the first time. Had no problems with the pregnancy. I know this is only anecdotal but I hope it offers a tiny bit of reassurance. Good luck and hope all goes well for you.

[Midori1999]

Thank you.

I'm not sure the cramping is directly related to the BF as it was really bad tonight a couple of hours after DD had gone to bed. It's reassuring to know someone else has had bad cramping whilst BF in pregnancy and had a good outcome, even if it is anecdotal though, thank you.

[Oodsigma]

Cramping can be linked to feeding but usually at the time of feeds ( like when you feed a newborn & your uterus contracts). I don't know more than that though.
I recommend 'adventures in tandem nursing ' to read though

[Poppet45]

I planned to bf my son til he hit the WHO guideline of two then wean in time for the third trimester off before DD turned up. I managed the bfing through gritted teeth as my god it hurt but I never got the 3 months off. DD arrived 2 days after DS's birthday at 27+3 and we still dont know why my preg was low risk no cervical issues. If I had my time again I wouldnt do it. What my DS gained cost my DD such a lot... you'll know all about the scbu rollercoaster. I'll never know for sure but its one more thing to feel guilty about. I think theres a reason tandem feeding is taboo around the world... maybe it isnt the great idea we think it is.